


5

"In a chock-a-block room at Loews Hotel downtown, notable restaurant industry folks feast on heritage-breed pork while judging a culinary competition that raises money for small pork farmers; there are massive beverage options and culinary creativity on display, with competitors this year including Yia Vang (Union Kitchen), Scott Pampuch (4 Bells), Mateo Mackbee (Model Citizen), Timothy Fischer (Loews) and Jose Alarcon (Popol Vuh), plus a taco bar from the House of Gristle, a veggie bar from Chef Shack and a tartare bar from Tim McKee. The ticket price is eyebrow-raising, but it’s an annual opportunity to hang with top names in Twin Cities food — a bit bro-y, but fun — and last year’s winner, Karin Tomlinson of Corner Table, went on to win the national competition." - Joy Summers